Chavez Leads Electoral Race

Caracas
Venezuela is gearing up Monday to begin the electoral campaign defined by leading President Hugo Chavez over the fragmented opposition, which has a scarce 19 percent support.

Chavez´s followers are estimated at 55-60 percent although some of his campaign coordinators say it's about 70 percent and aspire to a ten-point rise by the December 3 elections.

That is based on Chavez´s policy of better redistribution of national wealth through programs to guarantee free health and education, subsidized food and fight unemployment.

The opposition has been unable to outline an attractive alternative program and centers its actions on criticizing and trying to disqualify the governmental projects.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly is establishing clear rules of advertising and financing before the campaigning takes off.

The parliament is inquiring into the origin of opposition group Sumate´s funds, ostensibly received from abroad, which violates national laws.

Sumate is planning to hold US-style primary elections in August 13 to select only one opposition candidate but it must first clear up from where its resources come.